25 October 2018

Newsletter Articles

THINGS FRANCISCAN

Dear Paduans,

The final part of 2018 has seen much movement among the present Paduans. The Rugby squad to Europe returned safely with loads of stories to tell. In the mid-year, a team of Rugby League boys travelled north to Charters Towers for the 2018 Confraternity Carnival. They had a mix of wins and losses, understandable playing schools that only play Rugby League. Our Paduan National Space Design team returned from their visit to the United States. During the holidays, staff accompanied a group of students on a surfing trip to the beaches of northern New South Wales. At the same time, 17 boys and five girls from Mt. Alvernia made up our pilgrims on the road to Franciscan Italy.

This past term Paul Rout ofm was with us. Apart from delivering the 2nd Annual St Bonaventure Lecture, he has taken classes in Year 11 and 12 in Study of Religion. His Franciscan presence in the College and at our Friary has been most welcome. He returns to London at the end of the year.

Together with our colleagues from Iona and St. Laurence’s, our Religious Education faculty are trialling a new Catholic Studies program for Year11 and 12 students. I am pleased that in this Year of Youth, and awaiting the conclusion of the Synod of Bishops on Youth, that we can with confidence acclaim Padua as unashamedly a Catholic School, where the boys can learn not only about the content of the Catholic faith but also about its essential ramifications in the world of social justice.

Best wishes to you all,

Pace e bene
Fr John

THE RECTOR

‘The Good Men of Padua’

It was great to join our Old Boys for mass last week. The mass was celebrated by Fr Mario who reminded us of the inspiration of our College Patron – St Anthony of Padua. His story is one of humility, a love of education and the importance of community and these ideals were certainly evident as the Old Boys shared their memories at the after-mass function. There were many stories, some true but I am sure a little embellished, as they recounted their days here at Padua. I personally enjoyed listening to the story of the very first day of school sparked by the black and white photograph. The photo was a reminder of our humble beginnings with 89 smiling and eager faces but also many boys without shoes on their feet. This photo is also featured on the banner of this newsletter.

I was further reminded of our College’s rich history when Fr Paul Rout informed of the passing of George Palmer. who died last week at the age of 97. His funeral will be held at the Little Flower Church, Friday 26th October at 11am. George was the father of Richard Palmer, Padua Old Boy and Senior of 1978. Richard played in the Padua Rugby League Firsts in the final of the Amco Shield that year, against Patrician Brothers Fairfield. While Richard’s sporting deeds are noteworthy, even he would agree, that his father’s story is one that transcends the gates of Padua and forms part of our national identity. George Palmer was a Digger in the Second World War and was on the original Kokoda Trail in New Guinea. His image is forever linked with Kokoda as he was one of six soldiers whose image was captured by war photographer, Damien Parer. The image forms part of the Australian War Memorial Collection and overtime it has become one of the defining images of the Australian World War II campaign.

Fr Paul remembers that George was actively involved with Padua community, having served as President of the Padua Parents and Friends’ Association for quite a number of years. The College will have representatives at the funeral service.

In Term 3, Liam MacAndrews, an Old Boy from the class of 2009, addressed our boys at the Semester 1 Academic Assembly. Liam spoke passionately about his time at Padua and how the experience of Padua shaped him as a young man. His words below tell of the importance of a holistic Catholic education and the great work of the teachers of Padua. Sobering words about what really matters in education and not surprisingly, words that are in unison with Fr Mario’s homily at our Old Boys’ Mass. The following is an excerpt of Liam’s speech on the day.

Instead, consider ‘who do you want to be?’ The type of young man you are should always come before formal titles, positions, or accolades. Of course, you should celebrate the successes of your friends and I encourage you to pursue your ambitions with gusto. In this room there is probably some great future businessmen, lawyers, footballers, electricians, plumbers, and, I suspect, aerospace engineers. But, when in years to come you find yourselves sitting around with your mates, people are going to care far more about what kind of person you are over what kind of job you might have.

In my experience, Padua’s lessons go far beyond classroom academics. In ten years, if you don’t remember your maths formulas, hopefully you will remember the great value in generosity. If you can’t recall the periodic table, you might recall the value of respect and being able to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. If you have forgotten how to analyse Shakespeare, you might have held on to the importance in looking out for those around you. These are just a few of the important lessons that Padua teaches. I am sure that those lessons will continue be a part of ‘who’ each of you hopes to be.

It was great to see a good number of Old Boys at the final round of Term 2 sports with our ‘Back to Banyo’ Community Day on the 9th June. While it was the last day of the season for many of our boys, for our young men in Year 12 it was even more significant, as they played their last ever game at our Banyo playing fields. I thank the many in our community who made the day such a great occasion of sport and community engagement. In the education of our young men at Padua, the focus on men’s health also provided a reminder for all of us around how days like ‘Back to Banyo’ fit into a holistic education. Such events build College identity, foster friendships and build community connections.

The ‘Back to Banyo’ Day also provided us the opportunity to gather as a community to acknowledge the passing of Mr Mark Diviney, a much-loved teacher at Padua. The College, along with the community of St Patrick’s College, took a moment to remember Mr Diviney at Back to Banyo Day. Many of you would know that the passing of Mark was the College’s third time in 18 months have that we mourned the passing of a member of our College. Last year the College community wrapped their arms around the Sherwood and Grohovaz families following the passing of Doug and Alex. The College has built a Memorial Wall to honour the staff and students who have died during their time at Padua. The wall, located near the flagpole at the front of the College, will be blessed on All Souls Day, 2 November. All Old Boys are most welcomed to attend.

Staff news

• Danny Jackson (OB 2005) got married to Linda.
• Ty Casey (OB 1994) and his wife had a baby girl, Poppy.

• Julian Honeywill and his wife had a baby girl, Ayla.

• Deb Matthews is retiring at the end of 2018.

RSVP: oldboys@padua.qld.edu.au

Back to Banyo 2018

What a great turn up!

Were you there? Did you wear your Padua colours?

Old Boys’ Mass 2018

Old Boys’ Mass 2018

Sportsman’s Dinner 2018

Another outstanding sportsman’s dinner this year. Thanks again to the organising committee

Reunions

1988

The 30 year reunion for Padua College 1988 Seniors was held on Saturday Sept 15th 2018. There were a number of old boys who visited the school for a brief tour and then proceeded to the Newmarket Hotel. We had a great turnout of about 35 people. It was amazing to catch up with so many past students and relive the ‘good old days’. The memories, to say the least, were hilarious. Many of the men have progressed into successful businessmen and the class of 88 is well represented in the Queensland Police Force. Thanks to the guys who came from Far North & West QLD, NSW, Melbourne and Perth for the day. We were all extremely pleased with the attendance and to witness first hand, the continual display, of a very Proud Padua Spirit.

Greg Khan (OB 1988)

1988 Reunion

Where are they now

Greg McLean (OB 1973) – Order of Australia Medal

A former student of the College and past Chair of our College Board, Mr Greg McLean received an Order of Australia medal for service to the building and construction industry in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Greg attended Padua from 1969 – 1973 and was School Captain in 1973. Greg’s younger brother David, also a Paduan, previously received an Emergency Services Medal Honour for Services to Life Saving. In receiving the award, Greg acknowledged former Rector, Fr Barry Kirby ofm, for his guidance and support during his years at Padua College. Greg has had an outstanding career in the engineering and construction sector and has maintained strong ties to the Padua Community since his graduation. His contribution as a Board member for 15 years and Chair of the Board from 2004 to 2009 demonstrates to our young men the importance of service and the ongoing commitment of our Old Boys to their College.

AFL

Three Paduan Old Boys are currently playing representative AFL - Harris Andrews (OB 2014) and Jacob Allison (OB 2015) (Brisbane Lions), and Oskar Baker (OB 2015) (Melbourne Demons).

Jacob Allison

NRL

Lindsay Collins (OB 2013) is currently playing professional Rugby League football for the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson selflessly gives away premiership ring to Lindsay Collins (SMH)

Liam MacAndrews (OB 2009)

Padua College recently welcomed Padua Old Boy Liam MacAndrews (OB 2009) as Guest Speaker at our Academic Awards Assembly. Liam has enjoyed a fascinating career since graduating from QUT with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business degree which included travelling to Ghana (along with fellow Padua Old Boy, Anthony Cau (OB 2009) to undertake two months of volunteer work in a law and human rights project. Throughout university Liam competed in several national and international level mooting competitions and began his career at a commercial law firm in Brisbane. For the past two years Liam has worked at an international court, run by the United Nations in Cambodia where he worked as part of a team of lawyers from across the globe. Since his work in Cambodia, Liam has enjoyed work as a sessional academic within the QUT Law School.

Rhys Young (OB 2007)

Dr Rhys Young (OB 2007) was born and raised in the Northern suburbs of Brisbane attending Padua College and completing his medical studies at Griffith University on the Gold Coast. He undertook residency at the Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital and the Lady Cilento Children's Hospital spending time in the Paediatric Emergency Department. He has recently joined Kedron Wavell Medical Centre. Rhys was College Captain in 2007.

Martin Kerby (OB 1984)

Dr Martin Kerby has received a prestigious Q ANZAC 100: Memories for a New Generation Fellowship from the State Library of Queensland. As a University of Southern Queensland (USQ) researcher, Martin will spend the next 12 months digging through century-old archives looking for hidden history. The fellowship supports research projects that uncover and explore untold stories about Queensland’s experience during the First World War or other significant military campaigns from the past 100 years.

USQ

Damian Jones (OB 1985)

An article about Damian in the Courier Mail

Hudson Creighton (OB 2017), Dan Ritchie (OB 2005) and Jed Chapman (OB 2016).

The National Under 19 Rugby URC Championships was held in Canberra recently. Brisbane City won the competition. Pictured here are Padua Old boys Hudson Creighton, Dan Ritchie and Jed Chapman.

Sebastian Waloszek, and Zac Hussein (OB 2017)

Congratulations to our Padua team who returned last term from the International Space Settlement Design Competition Finals at the Kennedy Space Centre at Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA. Our Padua students were part of the Rockdonnell International Space Design Company and announced as International Space Settlement Design Competition Runners Up! Each of our two Australian groups were competing in one of four International teams comprising 64 talented students from all parts of the world. A brilliant achievement and our congratulations to Mr Peter Morris and the Padua students on the 2018 ISSDC Australian Team: students Christo Mohan, Lachlan Tornabene, Brice Welburn, Jacobson Harris and Old Boys Sebastian Waloszek, and Zac Hussein. We are rightly proud of our strong Padua contribution to the success of the 2018 ISSDC Australian Team.

Fr Paul Rout (OB 1966)

The second annual St Bonaventure Lecture was held on Tuesday night this week. Fr Paul Rout ofm, Padua Old Boy and Friar-in-Residence during Term 3 gave this year’s address. A small, but appreciative audience, listened as Fr Paul’s Lecture which was titled ‘The importance of the values of a Franciscan education for living within the Church of Pope Francis. ’Fr Paul’s lecture reflected on the challenge to begin a new chapter of the Church under Pope Francis’ pontificate. A new chapter ‘full of fervour, joy, generosity, courage, boundless love and attraction’. Participants enjoyed a tasty supper and Franciscan hospitality afterwards. Thank you, Fr Paul!

Fr Paul Rout ofm

Andrew Beattie (OB 1998)

From Facebook

‘So you come across to the other side of the world and a Paduan and a Mt Alvernian are here representing England and Ireland at the European Touch Championships in Nottingham. Bloody Aussies picking and choosing!!! #Brisbanites #Brisreal #Brisvegas Andrew Beattie - Class of 1998 England Mens 35s Claire Camilleri - Mt A class of 2000 Ireland Senior Mixed’

Andrew Beattie

Daniel Purdie (OB 1990)

Daniel Purdie is the Queensland MP for Ninderry. Before the election he was a Detective Senior Sergeant with the Sunshine Coast District Child Protection Investigation Unit. He recently met with Padua and Mt Alvernia students during a visit to Parliament House. Daniel’s brother, David Purdie (OB 1987), is now a Professor of Epidemiology.

Hamish McInnes (OB 2014)

On Saturday 25th August Hamish McInnes competed in the World Highland Dancing Championship in Dunoon in Scotland. Hamish placed 5th in the Adult final. Hamish is now the highest placed Australian adult male dancer in the world.

Hamish is very committed to his dancing and this year will have spent nearly 6 months training in Scotland in the lead up to the World Championships. He first travelled to Scotland during his senior year at Padua College in 2014, with much support from his teachers. The staff and boys at Padua College were always so supportive of Hamish’s dancing right from Padua Primary through to the secondary.

F McInnes

David Shillington (OB 2000)

Michael Zappala (OB 2009)

Michael Zappala attended Padua from 2005 to 2009. He had great success in Tennis, representing the College in the First IV and Met North. Academically Michael excelled in Science and Mathematics, receiving an OP of 1. He was accepted into The University of Queensland, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) with 1st Class Honours and a University Medal. Michael went on to work in a number of roles as a consultant engineer with ARUP Australia. Recently he was offered a scholarship and accepted a place to Yale University’s School of Business in the United States to study an MBA. He moved there a couple of months ago and is thankful for the great opportunities afforded to him at Padua College.

Wang Yi Ming (OB 2008)

Wang Yi Ming or Colin came to Padua from China to experience life at an Australian school. He revisited recently when in Australia. He is currently studying a Masters in Enterprise Risk Management at New York University.

A global appreciation of Padua

Please pray for the departed. May they rest in peace.

Padua College Memorial Wall

As mentioned earlier in the newsletter, the College has built a Memorial Wall to honour the staff and students who have died whilst attending Padua. This will be blessed on All Souls Day, 2 November.

Please pray for also those listed here.

In 1968, 60 Year 6 students became lost overnight in the D’Aguilar Ranges on an excursion. It was big news in the Telegraph and Courier Mail.

1978 Year 10 Outward Bound adventures

Around the school

Chess Champs!

Congratulations to Year 12 student Sam Uchytil and our Open IV Chess Team on their AIC Championship win on Friday afternoon securing them the premiership in their final game of AIC Chess.

First IV team

Theatresports Teams

Padua College’s senior Theatresports team, known as ‘Spoiler Alert’ have breezed their way through to the grand final of the Qld Youth Theatresports Cup. Led by captain, Zac Leonard, the team of Daniel Terribile, Ben Coote and Charlie Bergman have enjoyed spectacular success this season. Up against teams from St Pats, Nudgee and Grace Lutheran, the team proved they had the ‘Improv’ mettle when it comes to quick thinking, creativity, spontaneity & humour.

Also, in this year’s comp, we have 2 junior teams as well. If you’re not familiar with the names John Steinmetz, Matt Illi, Maxwell Wraight and Hamish Lupi, you will be in the years to come. They’re known as ‘The Lumberjacks’ and they’ve put the chainsaw through pretty much all the opposition so far this season. Our other junior team- known as ‘Fully Sikk’ – consists of Joe Upton, Alex Goldthorpe, Dan Sims & Dillon Miles. But don’t let their name fool you. They’re not sick at all. That’s irony for you, folks. They’re doing extremely well, in fact. Our junior teams have shone this season, outclassing a number of older, more experienced teams from schools like Terrace, All Hallows, Churchie and Villanova. The juniors have enjoyed unprecedented success, with both teams winning through to the grand final on Saturday, November 10th at the Gardens Point Theatre at QUT in the city. Stay tuned for more details on that event.

Dom Thurlow (OB 1989)

Parent Supporters’ Group

One of the most pleasing things to come out of the Term 2 sporting program has been the reinvigoration of our Parent Supporters’ Group. The group has met weekly over the course of the season to coordinate volunteer support and to discuss ways that parents can support the sports program. While some items sold out quickly, the group also organised the supporter merchandise that was on sale at the games. My thanks to all on the committee and in particular the Chair, Mr Damian Sharry, Secretary, Mrs Anna Harding and Mrs Linda Durbridge and Mr Darren Sellars who coordinated the Banyo canteen. These parents, along with the many others who contribute to Padua, provide witness for our young men in the ways that we can all contribute to the building of the spirit of Padua.

Harry Fox

I congratulate our 2018 1st XV Captain Harry Fox on his selection in the 2018 Australian Schoolboys Extended Rugby Squad. Harry had an outstanding national carnival in Sydney over the holidays representing Queensland 2. Harry was an outstanding player at Padua this year during the AIC season and his selection in the Australian team is pleasing for all those who are involved in our sports program.

Peter Elmore

Harry Fox leading out the 1st XV on Back to Banyo Day 2018

Max Johnson

Max Johnson was selected in the Under 15 All Australian Team for Volleyball.

Max Johnson

Queensland and Australian Representatives

Year 6 student, James Tisdell competed in the Gold Coast Marathon 10km run placing 14th from 71 competitors in the 12-14 years age group. James enjoyed meeting up afterwards with some Padua Old Boys Alex Lloyd (OB 2016) and Jake Brazel (OB 2017) who also ran in the Marathon.

QCS Exams 2018